Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew says his French contingent have settled quickly thanks to the welcoming Geordie culture.

Pardew is convinced the success of the likes of ­Yohan Cabaye, Gabriel Obertan and Hatem Ben Arfa is due to the warm welcome they have had on Tyneside.

The Magpies boss said: "I've been pleased with how they've integrated.

"I had concerns because when you're bringing in foreign players, there's time for settling in.

"But I believe the North East is much easier to settle into. It's a warm place, even for myself - and I know I wasn't particularly loved when I came here.

"I can think of players at London clubs - it's much more difficult there.

"People are colder and harsher. The environment is tougher for them."